Fabric-Caused Changes in Human Skin: In Vivo Stratum Corneum Water Content and Water Evaporation

Abstract

In vivo water content in the surface layers of human stratum corneum and water evaporation from its surface due to placement of fabric on skin for different time periods were studied. A focused microwave probe was used to assess stratum corneum water content, an Evaporimeter for water evaporation. Triacetate and polyester fabrics were placed on subjects' forearms with and without a covering of occlusive plastic film. Placement of either triacetate or polyester on the forearm without a covering of film did not cause changes in water content or evaporation measured immediately after removal. With a covering of plastic film, water content and evaporation increased as the fabric/film remained on the forearm for longer periods of time. Stratum corneum water content was generally greater at polyester/film covered forearm sites than at triacetate/film covered sites, but there was not a significant statistical difference due to fabric type. Forearm water evaporation after fabric removal was also greater for polyester/film sites than triacetate/film sites; the difference was statistically significant. Occluded fabric placed on the skin surface therefore influences stratum corneum water content and water evaporation from its surface.